The rack on the front of our truck does not obstruct visibility. It also has not been a problem with the lights. It does obstruct the front licence plate. I mount the rack in Nov before we leave for the winter and take it off when we get home in Apr. It is easy to load and unload the bikes. When not hooked up it is easy to take the bikes to an area we wish to ride in. The swagman rack is designed that the wheel support rings can fold up when no bikes are on the rack.
After many years and many many miles we have found this works very well.